Manufacturing in Dickinson County: Your Business Belongs Here

Dickinson County is home to manufacturing companies using the latest technologies and raw materials. Manufacturing Day is the first Friday in October and expands throughout the month. We at DKEDC celebrate these companies’ employment opportunities and innovations that grow our economy.

Modern Manufacturing

Manufacturing Month showcases the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging businesses and educational institutions to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Manufacturing careers are full of opportunities for exciting endeavors, personal advancement, and stability.

“There’s no such thing as a low-skilled job in manufacturing anymore,” NAM Chief Economist Chad Moutray said in a 2023 Industry Outlook article for Manufacturing Dive.

Today’s typical manufacturing roles incorporate the latest technology into existing processes, quality control, and problem-solving techniques. Additionally, sustainability is quickly becoming a focused aspect of manufacturing as companies seek to find ways to produce items in ways that positively coexist with their natural environment. It’s no longer just a “dirty job that someone must do.” 

Manufacturing Companies Benefit by Being in Dickinson County

Robust transportation access in Dickinson County offers businesses the ability to receive raw materials and ship finished products quickly and efficiently:

• Immediate access to the I-70; I-35 and Highway 15
• Union Pacific Railroad
• Three regional airports less than 45 minutes from the county seat (Abilene) 

Dickinson County’s location offers several advantages for national and global manufacturing companies. Among them are infrastructure assets such as one of the largest natural gas fields in the world, and an abundance of alternative energy sources throughout the Midwest. These assets ensure Kansas has some of the lowest utility rates in America. 

Sites and properties are available for manufacturing companies looking to expand. Here, businesses have the room they need to grow, and local economic developers are available to make it easy to find the perfect location. In some instances, financial incentives make the move an even better investment. 

Dickinson County’s workforce is plentiful, drawing on a large labor force with skills applicable to the manufacturing industry. Employers utilize Kansas State University, Salina Technical, and five other colleges within a two-hour drive to build those skills specific to their operations. 

Showcase Your Manufacturing Operation

Manufacturing Month is an opportunity to help our community become more familiar with the possibilities present at your company. Hosting an event helps highlight the reality of modern manufacturing careers to your future workforce and those who can assist your development - students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Utilize the Manufacturing Institute’s toolkit to help plan tours, send invitations, and develop promotions.

DKEDC understands the vital importance manufacturing has in Dickinson County. Contact us today to learn more about manufacturing opportunities!